Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has insisted that his priority is winning trophies with the club, rather than individual accolades such as the Ballon d'Or. The 27-year-old, who joined the Gunners from West Ham United for a club-record £105 million in July 2023, has been a key figure in Mikel Arteta's side this season.
Rice has made 38 appearances across all competitions as Arsenal chase an unprecedented quadruple. They currently top the Premier League table, face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, are in the FA Cup fifth round against Mansfield Town, and have progressed to the Champions League last 16. The club is aiming to end a six-year major trophy drought, with their last silverware coming in the 2020 FA Cup final.
Speaking to The Sun, Rice acknowledged that being mentioned in Ballon d'Or conversations is flattering, but stressed that team success comes first. 'It's unreal, obviously. You want to be involved in those conversations. They're the right ones to be involved in. But also you see the recent Ballon d'Or winners, what they've won during their season,' he said. 'Hopefully we can have a successful season and I can be involved in those conversations. That would be amazing. If not, that's not something I am setting my eye on. I really want the team to do well first.'
Arsenal's first chance to end their trophy drought comes in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 22 against City. Rice described the fixture as a 'momentum builder' for the rest of the season. 'I'm buzzing. It's everything we've been working towards. It's the first trophy that's up for grabs. It's one that you can take and then after that, go on in the Premier League and have full momentum,' he added.
Rice will also be hoping for international success this summer as England seek World Cup glory in North America. The Three Lions are in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama, with the tournament kicking off on June 11.
